Lidl Ireland has announced that An Bord Pleanála has granted planning for the redevelopment of the former Blarney Park Hotel site on the north west of Cork city.
The plan will see the vacant site transformed into a modern hub which includes a brand-new state of the art Lidl store for Blarney, with the retailer forecasted to invest over €11 million into the project.
In addition to this substantial investment in the local community, the retailer is also set to create over 30 retail jobs at the end of the redevelopment and hundreds more through the construction phase.
Commenting on securing of the planning application, Conor Nagle, regional director for Munster with Lidl Ireland said that “It is great news for Blarney and the people of Cork."
Mixed-Use Development
Alongside the new Lidl store the site will include a mixed-use development headed by local businesswoman Freda Hayes, Blarney Group.
Welcoming the final approval for the project, Freda Hayes, Blarney Group noted that, "It is an exciting time for the village of Blarney."
"The plans have been designed to protect and enhance the existing character of the village," she said.
Regenerated Area
The approved plans at Blarney are set to regenerate an area of derelict land spanning 8.5 acres that has been vacant for over a decade and formerly home to the Blarney Park Hotel.
"We look forward to injecting life back into an area that has been left idle for more than 10 years - creating jobs, retail and business opportunities in addition to housing and hotel accommodation for domestic and international visitors to Blarney,” Hayes added.
Their plans provide for a new hotel, as well as a commercial building containing a restaurant/delicatessen, shop and hair/beauty salon, together with offices and residential apartments.
The green light for this plan comes only weeks after Lidl Ireland announced a planning approval by Cork City Council for a €16 million redevelopment in Ballincollig west of Cork city.
2021 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern, For more Retail News click here. Click sign up to subscribe to Checkout.
